News, Fun, and Lesson Learned

There has been a lot going on in the Childs household. First of all, thank you for the prayers, comments, and calls concerning Elijah. It is amazing how quickly his face has healed. I have no doubt that by this time next month, we will be looking for the scars. He really handled the whole ordeal quite well. Aside from the hallucinogenic, short-acting side effects from the medication the doc used to render him consciously-sedated (poor guy!!!), he has been level-headed about his response to what happened to him. He has mentioned several times his desire to never encounter the particular dog who attacked him but still speaks fondly of the friendly dogs in his life. This is a blessing. He has always loved animals- particularly dogs- and Micah and I are thankful this has not produced a broader fear in him.

There is one piece of information I thought I would pass along to anyone else interested for future reference/knowledge. We had a few people who told us after the fact that this trauma did not surprise them. It has been made known to us now that some smaller/smaller-medium sized dogs can feel very threatened by little kiddos at their level; even those who do not have a history of aggression toward children. The best way for parents to allow younger children to pet these dogs is from a standing position. Elijah bent down beside the dog that bit him and was at his level. This may not always be true for family dogs or those who are more used to being around children. I also am not saying this advice will always keep children safe, but hopefully it will serve as a wise word- One I wish we would have been told in the past. It is so difficult to learn lessons the hard way, but we trust in some way, it has been for our good.

Before this happened last Sunday, we visited the Tupelo Buffalo Park. It was ironic because Elijah had just spent the better part of an afternoon feeding some of the animals there. He is fascinated by them and was nurturing toward them. Andrew liked looking at the animals but didn't care a thing about feeding them. This Park houses the tallest giraffe in captivity as well as a very rare white buffalo. What was distinctive about this small zoo was the proximity of the guests to the animals and the ride out into the field with a camel, cattle, zebras, donkeys, and of course the buffalo. I had never been so close to these animals before. Hand feeding the giraffes was very cool, too.

Elijah- assessing how much feed he has left...

Oh No!!! The animals have escaped!!! Oh... Whew.... it is only the boys:)

We recently found out that we will be headed to Little Rock, AR from here in about two and a half weeks. This next assignment will hopefully be our last temporary one. We are praying that in the next two months, we have a more clear vision of where the Lord has for us to live. In the meantime, we continue on.

Eat Mor Chikin!